Machine for pickling metal plates and blanks



R. S. SMITH AND E. W. BURGESS. MACHINE Foa PICKLINQ METAL PLATES AND BLANKSY.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 2. I9Z0.

Patente Sept. I2, 1922a 6 SHEETS-SHEET I.

R. s. sMlH AND E. w. BURGESS.

MACHINE FOR PICKLING METAL PLATES AND BLANKS.

APPLICATION FIL-ED FEB. 2,1920.

Patented `Lept. L2, 192A 6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

VII

ILIIHIWNUUIIIN R. s. SMITH AND E. W. BURGESS.,

MACHINE FOR PICKLING METAL PLATES AND BLANKS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 231920.

Patented. Sept. T29 w22.,

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3..

WMM/woo R. SSIVIITH AND E. W. BURGESS.

MACHINE FOR PICKLING METAL PLATES AND BLANKS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 21920.

Patented Sept. l2, 1922.

6 SHEETSSHEET 4.

U n@ EMM Edward MBz/fyess.

.8. SMITH AND E. W

APPLICATION FILED FEB- 2, 1920.

,Patentedept I2, 1922..

G SHEETS-SHEET 5.

R. S SIVIITH AND E. VVMBURGEYSS. E MACHINE FOR PICELING METAL PLATES AND BLANKS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB- 2, 1920.

Iatenfdept. 312, 1922i.A

Patente-'a sept. 12, .1922.

UNITED STATES;

PATENT' OFFICE.

REUBEN STANLEY sMI'rH AND EDWARD W. BURGEss, OE MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, AssIGNoIts To A. Osmrn CORPORATION, OE IIIILWAUIIIsiE,v WIsCoNsIN, A COE- IORATlON F NEW YORK.

MACHINE Eon PICKLING METAL PLATES-AND BLANES.

Application filed February 2, 1920. Serial No.' 355,727.'

TO aZZwhom t may concern:

" Be it known that we, REUBEN STANLEY and exact, description thereof, such as will same', reference being had to the accompany-- SMITH and EDWARD WESLEY BURGEss, citizens of the United States, residing in the city of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have invented a certain new and useful improvement in Machines for Pickling Metal Plates and Blanks (Case #124), and do declare the following speciication to be a ullclear,

enable vpersons skilled inthe art to which -theinvention pertains to make and use the ing drawings for disclosure as to the construction Of the apparatus. The invention relates` to a machine for pickling sheet metal plates or blanks, it being the purpose of. the pickling operation f to'clear suchI plates or blanks from scale o'r other substances which may be injurious to the tools ofthe machines or presses Which are usedA in shearing, punching, drawing or otherwise treatin-g the plates or blanks made theregtrom in the subsequent manufacturing operations wtreatment, delivers the plates or blanks at. ,35

feo

f and by the use of such apparatus,we are The invention comprises .a construction by which the metal plates or 'blanks to be pickled are automatically supplied to an endless conveyor, which latter in -its Ltravel carries such plates'or. blanks into and out of the several baths 'used in the vpickling'process, and at' the completion of thel desired .afpoint in position for-[removal from the conveyor by an automatically operated unloadin` mechanism.

he purpose of the inventionwis the prO- 'vision offmec'hanical apparatus for effecting an operation heretofore performed by hand,

".1 enabled to Overcome the disagreeable results `incident tO the personal contactof the Workmen with the acid baths and the coated plates or blanks, asthe'latter arewithdrawn ',lh'e invention is embodied in a 'structure reasonof too'long a contact with the acids until such plates have received the desired j vtreatment by immersion in all of the baths.

The construction and arrangement is such that in the Operation of the mechanism,

the metal hooks which carry the plates -or .f

blanks are the only parts of the apparatus, aside from the, containing vats, which are subject to contact with the chemicals. These hooks are formedffrom a metal which will enable them toresist the action of the acids,

Yand the conveyorV chains from which the hooks are suspended,y are-supported 'and guided in a line of travel which is clearof the vats or baths. By this construction and arrangement, the injurious effects of thev acids upon the apparatus isavoided.' Feeding devices have been provided which take the plates or blanks from stacks andv lay them singly upon the'hooks of the conveyor chains, so that the platesjor blanks. may be run through the baths. After treatment for the required length of time, the plates or vblanks are delivered at the other en d of the apparatus to.a cross-conveyor, by means of vwhich they are fed to a line Otmachines bywhich they are successively subjected to manufacturing operations..

The machines of such line are operated at a rate of, speed which isy synchronous with.,

the delivery of the blanks or plates from the' pickl-ing apparatus. But when the'time arrives for shutting down the operation ofthegmachines, the movementof the plates then in transit through -the pickling vats vmust continue until all of such plates have been delivered from the vats. This is neces,- sary in order that injury to the plates by may be-avoided. To take care of the platesl which emerge from theA pickling vats after the machines of the line have ceased to operate, we provide an auxiliarystorage y device upon which the plates are stored instead of being fed to the line of machines by the cross-conveyor before referred to.

This storage device is designed to receive 'the plates delivered from the picklingvats after the machines of thelline have ceased their operation, and also to transfer such plates back to tlie cross conveyor upon resumption of the operation of themachines. When allof the stored plates have been taken from the storage device, anew supply of plates fresh from the pickling vats w1ll be ready to be fed by 'the cross conveyor to the machines of the line, it being understood that at the time of be -purpose of pickling is also commenced, so that the first procession of plates from the storage .device is followed by the secon-.l

from the pickling vats, without interrupin any desired order of movement or comblnatlon of movements, which may arise `40 ments relating to each, perform the necesin a continuous OperatiOnof'meChanCal dein theoperation of the pickling apparatus.

The machine embodying this our present invention is designed to form an element of the assemblage of machines disclosed in application Serial No. 212,934, filed Jan. 21, 1918, by R. Stanley Smith and atented November.; 1 5, 1921, #1,397 ,020, suc assem-` blage including machines which by their related and successive operations, punch from metal sheets the side and cross bar and other blanks used in constructing an automobile or other vehicle frame, shape such blanks according to the particular requiresary milling operations thereon, assemble the several constituent parts, and securely -fasten allv of such parts together in their respective positions by means of' rivets, so that vices a completed automobile or other-vehilcle frame is automaticall produced.

The features ofthe en ess conveyor with the depending hangers for supporting the -plates,l and the means vfor efiectlng the undulatory movement of the conveyor during the pickling operation, as herein disclosed,

are theseparate invention of Mr. Burgess, one of the parties hereto, and are the subrvject-matter of the claims of an application filed March 30,1922, Serial No. 548,268.

The features which constitute our pres' vent inventiongwill be defined in the claims 'appnded hereto.

ferring this specification:

Figure l is a view in `elevation showing c'in conventional manner the course of the main plate conveyorthrough the pickling gmmng to feed the plates from the storage device,v the .feeding of plates into the vats for .the4

.to the drawings accompanying the cams whereby the carriers for the plates are raised out of one bath preparatory to their immersion in another.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged 'view of the leftyhand end of the machine, and showing the load- Aing mechanism and devicesfor transferring and loading the metal plates onto the main conveyor.

of the machine, and showing the unloading mechanism and devices for unloading and transferring the plates from the main con- V veyor,

' F ig. 6 shows diagrammatically in a plan view the arrangement of the driving devices for the' loading mechanism, the main struction and arrangement of the typical clutch and its o erating means employed in the machine, line'8-8, -F ig. 7, and Figs. 7 and 9 being partly sectional.

Figure 10 is a diagram of the wiring system of the machine, by which the operation of the latter is controlled.

Fig 11 is an enlarged View showing the movements of the front transfer hoist.

for the feeding conveyor in loading a plate onto the main conveyor.

yFi 12 is a detail view of a cam and switc constituting a circuit maker in the machine. y

Fig; 13 isa detail view 4showing the hook ,ofspecial form which is employed to supnamed in the present instance, and into which vats the plates or blanks -carried by the endlessmain conveyor C, are dipped during the passage of .the latter through the machine. The vats are arranged inthe line of travel of the main conveyor, which having been supplied with plates or blanks vto be pickled, is operated vto submerge such plates or blanks in each of the vats in suc-A cession. The vats are enclosed by a series ig. '8 being a view on the of' ventilated housings B, providedv upon 130 85 Fig. 5 is a like 4view of the right hand end two opposite sides with openings, whereby 4which, in the present embodiment of our invention, moves continuously.

Supported by the frame at the front or loading end of the machine, Fig. 4, is a shaft D, upon 'which are mounted sprocket wheels d, and at the rear or unloading end, Fig. 5, is a like shaft D1, upon which are mounted sprocket wheels d1. rlhe endless main conveyor C is formed as a chain or belt c, which'passes about and is supported and directed lin its course by the sprocket wheels d, d1. rlhe two chains of the conveyor are composed of pairs of links, d2, d3, which receive between their ends the pivoted sup- -porting and guiding rollers d4. The inside links d2, of each chain support cross bars d,

to which are attached a series of hangers d,

' from each of which depends a plurality-of pivoted hooksk d?, which receive and support the plates P, while the latter ared being subjected to the pickling operation.

Parallel guiding tracks E, for the rollers d4 of the conveyor, are attached to the frame of the apparatus. At points where the plates P are .to be lifted out of one vat for im` mersion in another, orv for unloading, these tracks yare -providedl with'i elevating run;- ways or undulations E1, over which the rollers move, in the manner indicated in Fi 3, ln their return movement, the rol ers d* pass over upper, plain track sections E2. rllhe tracks, it will be observed, lie in a plane which is above the top of the vats, so that nopart of the apparatus, excepting the hooks d", is brought into contact with the acids. The upper and lower runs of the endless conveyor. are in normal planes which are parallel or 'substantially so, the provision of the .undulations in the lower track serving to divert the conveyor from its normalpath of movement, in order to 'mersed in the solutions in the containing sprocket wheels d1, so that these parts operv vats or tanks.

A shaft F, extending longitudinally of the apparatus, couples indirectly thev shaft D and sprocket wheels 0l, with shaft D1 and sprocket wheels Z1 are driven from the shaft- F, through the train of. connectmg gears `fn to fla, and the bevel gears f and f, the

latter bevel gear being keyed to the rear endof the said shaft F, all as indicatedin Fig. 5. rlhe bevel gears f" andv f are keyed upon parallel shafts f1" and f2, respectively..

A motor M2, is'employed to 'drivevthe shaft vthe pickling vats, the reducing gearing employed in the several connections shown retarding the movement Vof the conveyor, so that sufficient timeis allowed for the chemicals' to act upon the plates or blanks while in the vats.

rlhe hook Z7 will hmade of bronze, or of other metal so coated as to resist the de: structive action of the chemical solutions employed in pickling. The vats A may 'be provided with a lining of lead, if desirable. Dripping plates a, covering the space between contiguous vats, are arranged at an angle, as shown in Fig. 3, so that the unabsorbed chemicals coating the metal plates 'upon removal fromthe vats will drip and flow back into the vats from which the plates have just been lifted. This arrangement will .tend in a material degree to the conservation of the chemicals. l

The plates or blanks to be pickled are automatically fed to the conveyor C,y and this result is effected by means of a loading mechanism G, at the front of the apparatus.

Shafts g, carrying sprocket wheels g1, are

which they are immersed in the several vats',

during y the travel .of the sai-d conveyor. Each link of the chain carrier g2'l is provided i with two standards g3, g4, between which the metal plates P are stacked', with their front edges against nthe faces of the standards g3, which are normal to the line of travel of the carrier. -The faces ofthe standards g4 are inclined, so as to facilitate placing the plates between the standards. Stops g5, correspending to the standards g3, are fixed to bars g", on` the frame. wheels g1 move the carrier and its stack of plates P, against the stops g5, on the bars g8, the chainl links, upon which the said stack wascarried, start on their passage around the sprocket wheels, and by being withdrawn into a lower plane cease to support the As the sprocket i plates, which now rest on the bars gs. During this movement, the inclined faces of the Vstandards g4 are'brought into Contact with accurately in position forAv transfer -to the conveyor C, the loading carrier g2, having in the meantime come to a position of rest, which it maintains'during the transfer of the plates singly from the stack.

The loading carrier g2 is actuated by a motor M1, through a train of reducing. gears g1", g and g, see Fig.- 6and shafts y and g, which drive the lshaft g, which latter carries the sprocket wheels g1. A device -h consisting of va spring-pressed feeler finger g2?, is employed to control the time of operatlon of the motor M1. This feeler finger is arranged with one end under the stack 11. When released by `the stack a v feeler finger will be depressed against the of plates, and as long. as there remains in plate to be transferred, the

opposition of its 'actuatingspring, see Fig.

bottom plate in the stack, the feeler finger willbe actuated to close'the switch 25, and

thus, in co-op'eration lwith connections hereinafter described, close the circuit of the motor M1., Whereupon, the 'loading carrier will be moved to present asecond stack of plates te the conveyor, for repetition of the e operation, the contact at switch 25, being broken by the 'movement' ofV the stack of plates into position for' transfer, and the motor M1 `In so moving'into position,`the successlve stacks of plates will -slideknrer. and depress the eeler linger, g2, compressing the actuating spring g21 of thelatter.

n electro-magnetic transferring device VI having a movement of rotation toward the endless conveyor,is employed for. transferring the plates P, one at a time, from the stack presented by the loadin the conveyor a C. The oscil ating 'power' shatll, of the transferring device isl jour- -nalled in bearings on thefr'ame, and pro-- vided with arms il, which at their free ends. are connected -to electro-magnets I2. Oscillating levers Z', pivoted to the frame, are likewise attached to 'the electro-magnets, and

the levers i and arms 1 are so connected as tog'iye a'parallelmotion to themagnets in their' reciprocatory movements through an arcuate path in transferring the plates from-'the stack.t the conveyor C. A gear L 753, on the shaft I1, is engaged Lvby a gear i, on the shaft i", to whichlatter a crank arm we withl a crank 8,- on the 'clutch .1,- inafterdescribed, will electro-magnets I2, to -fromthestack presented by the loadingff'car.- rier to the conveyor C, durlngth'e movement" 41 is connected. A link 17 connects vthe crank,

.ft isuiiheflatrf,

being actuated fromshat by'inter'meshff- 'tt .thereto -by clutch 1 transfer, -tlie ;plates -ofthe'conveyor j and 6. the removal of thebeingstopped for-the time beingj er being looser-fl .j tlie: twojjparts'fare .parallel .The engageait antiof with gear i, by the devi'GS "h @re-,Q- the" receptiongof and serve." t'mo'vle the lmove,;andfa guidin' In'their return movement over the upper track E2, the pivoted hooks d fall upon the conveyor,I and are held in this retracted position in relation to the sprocket wheels d,

by a curved guard e, arranged concentri# cally with the said sprocket wheels d, until permitted to escape therefrom by .passing away from the lower end of the guard. Au escapement e} then receives the series of ooks for each plate and lowers such hooks into horizontal position for the transfer of a plate from loading carrier.`

This escapement is supported ,b

y arms e2; fixed to an oscillating 'shaft e3, to which is also attached an arm e,

in turn connected by a link e5 to a crank-e?, driven b gearsfrom the shaft flFigs 4 s the escapement is vibrated'awa'y e stack presented by the from the positionl inwhich it supports ,the

leading series of hooks d?, ing previously cleared the guard e, will be permitted such hooks, havlower `end 'of the position the hooks through the action transferring devices. At such' will rest upon a bar el. the hooks reach ytheir horizontal position, the escapement passes be ond the' free ends bfy the outward 4movement of thel vibratorto fall "intofthfe 'horizontal position shown irifFig". 4, in which will receive a plate P, n of the electrovmagnetic time, theface ends of the hooks of the leading carrier Atabout the time thereof, andis returne bythe further rotation of. the 'crank e", the series of hooks next following,- when released from the uard le, and at thesame to engage and support 10c time maintain a cear space for the travel of' I the'electro-magnetic transferring device i n'.l

ed guard'or guide' 'after they .have been loaded with plates. AS 'f z osit'onS; the vplates 5110 ownv soasjto rest in `The arc through whicht e leversfyiand arms l move is constant, but thevext-ent f v,

the movement fof the f electromag'n'ets1 ,I2 is-- the end; lof-the carrier @21, for'the reception.

these lost motion features in the construction will lcompensate for the variable distances traveled by the electro-magnets in picking thejmetal/plates R in succession yfrom the stack, the magnet carrier having a free, sliding movement over the pins in the arm and lever, as described, and-as indicatedy by the broken parallel lines at the left in Fig. 11. In the travel from side to side, the weight of the electro-magnet structure causes the contracted upper ends of the slot 22 and of the groove 23, to embrace the pins 24 and @'25, and hold the magnet carriers in vertical position. It will be observed that the sides ofthe slots and grooves referred to are curved, as shown in Fig. 11. The purpose of this construction is to permit the arms z' and il, to continue their movement after the velectro-magnets encounter the stack of plates P, without disturbing the vertical position ofthe magnet carriers, a clearance for the free movement of the pins 24 and 25, being provided by the curved construction described.

Upon being lifted from the last of thet vats of fthe picklingmachine, the hooks (Z7, carrying the plates P, are dragged over an extended dripping plate a1, the outer edge of which rests upon the bar- 0,10, and which is so arranged that the space between the conveyor C ^and the said dripping plate is contracted, with the result that the hooks are turned on their pivots into the position indicated in Fig. 5. This movement provides a separation of the plates Pl at the point where they pass from the dripping Y j7, for the reception of a plate P, when the plate a1, to permit the action of the devices which unload the said plates P, singly, from the conveyor. A crank j is geared at jl to the shaft fm), Figs. 5 and 6, and is connected by a link jz, to an arm js, fixed on oscillating shaft i4, ournalled in the frame. Fixed also upon the r.shaft i4, are levers y'5 connected at their free'ends at an intermediate point to the unloading arms J, forked or fingered at latter is presented `by the conveyor 1C, in position to be unloaded. Links je, pivoted at one end to the frame and at the other to the lower ends of the arms J, serve to direct the forked or fingered ends of the arms into their proper path of movement during the operation, when the. shaft j* isoscillated by `the rotation of the crank y'. 'Phe movement of the arms J is such that they,y are projectedl first into the space between the leading series of the hooks restrained by the plate al, and the hooks which have been freed. 'In such position, the arms will arrest the further movement of the plate and hooks, when the latter have passed from the plate al, and a further movement of vthe arms will disengage the plate P, from the hooks, which latter will be free to swing away from the plate P. The reverse throw of the crank j, will bring the gear f2?, on shaft f2". Bevel gears Z2,

` posit the late P upon a series of transverse supports and from which it will be immediately removed by a transferring device, to be described presently, the further movement of the crank withdrawing the arms J from engagement with the plate P, andl into a plane a little below that of the surface of the transversey supports. Following the removal of the plate from the said supports by the transferring device to be described,

thearms J are elevated into position to re-v ceive another plate from the conveyor.

A cross-conveyor, indicated 'at N, Fig.'5,

and which may be an endless carrier, or of.

other approved construction, is employed to convey the lates P from the pickling apparatus, an feed such plates to the other machines of the assembly, which by their successive but connected movements will subi ject the plates to the contemplated manufacturing operations. A gear Z, fixed upon the shaft Z1, is engaged and driven gy the connect the 'shaft Z1 with the shaft Z?, and gears. Z4 and Z5., transmit motion `from the shaft Z3, to the shaft`Z6of the cross-conveyor. The gear Z5 `is vloose upon the shaft Z6, but is adapted to be coupled thereto by clutch 4, to actuate the cross-conveyor, when necessary.

An electro-magnetic transferring device L, is employed to remove the plates P from the transverse supportslK, and deposit such plates upon the cross-conveyor N. ln construction and operation this reciprocatory transferring device issimilar to the plate feeding device I, except that the connection between the magnetcarrier and the shaft arms and lever is made at pivotally fixed points, there being in this ope/ratlon no reason for any varying movement of the p magnet carrier independently of the suprotate freely, but adapted to be coupled.

therewith by clutch 3c. The gear Z1l inter- I'neshes with a gearZ12, fiXed on'the shaft Z1, which in turn is drivenby the gear Z, referred to in the preceding paragraph.

It is desired that the plates P be not permitted to remain inthe acid baths beyond the time which has been determined as sufficient for the necessary chemical action upon such plates to take place, and it is essential, therefore, that the movement of the conveyor C, when commenced, 'shall continue until all of the plates P inl transit through the vats of the pcklng machine have been .veyor is `unclutched.` and ceases to operate to carry such .plates from the machine. This storage device comprises a chain carrier constructed 'and operating in a manner 'similar tothe feeding carrier at the front of the pickling apparatus, and hence d eltailed descriptionthereof-is not neceary.`

.The plates' will be'unloaded from the conveyor C, and deposited by transfer as described, uponthe cross-conveyor N, the latter now being at rest. An electro-magnetic transferrin device O, constructed and operating in lllemanner to the loading trans- 'ferrer at the front of. the apparatus, picks up the plates resting singly upon the cross,-

conveyor anddeposits them upon the stor' age device. When aistack. of plates has been built up, the carrier is moved to allow M3, .is employed to actuate the .sprocket wheelsg,

.through the reducing gearing shown 4in Fi%.6. f he shaft/Z1,

' 'iiitermeshingwith a gear Z22loose upon the shaft 12%.! but adapted tobe coupled thereto byclutch 5, Fig. 16. A crank Z2,'on the i0 sishailtl l, through the'link 25, and. crank l,

. oscillates' the electro-magnets of the -recifpr o eatery device 0,'to transfer the plates rom the *cross-conveyor-Lto; the storage device.

4'51from the vpickling conveyor, the 4'mo'veinent uof the latt'er will be stopped. By reversing he 1 driven-A to' reverse `the direction 'of moveans clitedfto the cross'-conveyor,A when the -,lsrres'iimed, and permit;

eross-conveyor. f

-aieibeingA b ilt u onthefstoragfecarrier-Q., Shelli each) p This contingency A pickled plates are with the feeding the formation of: another stack. A motor b ofthe storage carrier chain* 91,'

has fixed thereon a gear Z151,

-meiit"`of the storage carrier .mechanism toy vibrator-.5' arm r 'is keyed to the shaftA #,f and connected by a link-1% to one arm o f'` a bell crank 1f", the other. armv of'vvhich actuates a double faced clutch member r,

removed, an empty storage space on the stora e carrier is brought into position to be' fild by another stack. Likewise, feeler devices have been provided for use in y connection with the reverse gr unloading movement of the 4storage carrier, to indicate a movement of the storage Acarri'er'when the bottom plate of the stack has been transferred, and position another stack of plateso for transfer to the cross-conveyor. These feeler devices act as circuit .closers,'as in the caseof the feeler g2, used in-connection mechanismat the front end of the machlne. S5 Figs.`7, 8 and 9 illustrate in typical form transmitting movement to'the various mechanisms described. The eccentric R, mounted `so as. to rotate loosely upon. the shaft r1, is con# stantly driven, and through an actuating link r2, imparts a movement tothe vibrator r3, which latter is free to -oscillate upon the.

l r, The virator r3, is provided with opposite lateral projections 7"". and 1'", designed to engage With interior projections T8 and r9, respectively, 'in a housing r1?, splined ppon the said shaft a". l

A centrally pivoted yoke lever 1',- is -provided with projections r12,which' work in partly circumferential grooves w13, on the exterior of-the/housing.- The 'other end of shaft r4, journalled in bearings Athe yoke lever .is 'pivotally 'attached to a rod T12-forming an extension of the corg:- .1 05 ,9, of a solenoid S. When freed from` the' force of vthe-magnetic attraction; the core of "After-all of the plates 'havefbeen unloaded the solenoid is actuated in .tion b an expansion spring-s1, coiled there-# on.- he housing r1". is moved longitudi'fijilfl thesprock'eL-Wheels, may

a contrary direcnally on'the shaft 4'* in one direction by the solenoidwhen the latter is energized', and;

fbrator hen moved by the laction of the springs?, the projection r.

i's brought 'i into the path vof the projection 7 of the said 120 splined upn the'shaft r1. One bearing forl 1,25

is-provided with a 'clutchface' .'i designed to be e'ngagedby one of the faces of the clutch." member r1. The opposite' conveyor, the Inain'conveyor,

spectively,

clutch faceof the member T18 is designed to engage -with a complemental clutch face formed on the hub of the gear 7'19, which actuates'the eccentric R, the said gear 7'1" being loosely mounted upon the shaft 1'1. A ring 1'1"", fixed upon the shaft 1'1, serves to hold the gear r11 and the eccentric in fixed position with relation to the other bearing for the4 shaft 1'1, so that longitudinal movement of the said gear and eccentric is prevented. l

When engagement of the projections 1' and rs on the vibrator and the housing, respectively, is effected by the solenoid, the downward movement of the vibrator will rock the shaft r1 and through the `connec tions described move the clutch member 1'18 into engagement with the hub of the gear wheel, and thus transmit motion to the shaft 1'1, for the purpose which will hereafter be described. When the spring 31 moves the housing 7'10 so that the projection 1'9 is in the path of movement of the projection r1 of the Vibrator, the upward movement of the latter will rotate the shaft 7'1 .in a contrary direction, and through the connections described will slide the clutch member `1'11 int'o engagementwith the fixed bearing-for the shaft r1 and hold the latter against -rotation for the time being. The rod 1'14 formspart of'a circuit maker s2, shown at the right in Fig. 9, the circuit being closed by movement of the rod 1'14 under the iniiuence ofv the solenoid, and broken by the spring s1, .which moves the said rod in the opposite direction. The purpose of this construction will vbe described later.

Having described the construction and operation of our new pickling machine, we

will now describe the means which are employed to control the movements thereof.-

'lhe clutches 1, 21,3246, 5c, the relative I locations of which are shown in Fig. 6, are

controlled by solenoids 1S, 2S, 3B, 4S, 5S, rewhich are diagrammatically indicated. at Fig. 10. `rlhese -solenoids are energized 'at selected times to throw the clutches into and `out of engaging -position to start and stop the mechanisms the operations of which they control;

The clutches referred. to control the operationsl of the principal operating mechanisms,fnam`ely, (l) the feeding or loading (3) \the unloading or delivery.'conveyor, (4) the cross conveyor, and (5) the storage carrier,

respectively.

The apparatus -will be provided with two electric current generators, indicated G1 and G2 in Fig. 10. The generator G1 supplies a heavy current to the five 'principal mechanisms, above referred to. The generator G20 is desgnedto supply the small current used toA energlze. the solenoids which As showing the means whereby this varia-- tion in the order of operating the meachanisms is brought about, we refer to Fig.- 10,

at the upper left hand corner of which is indicated a series of switches, which through their connections operate to control various combinations of the mechanisms. When the circuit of which the switch A* forms a part is closed by the said switch, all of the five` principal mechanisms in the apparatus will be positioned so as to operate at the proper times. When thecircuit of which the switch B* is a part is closed, the main conveyor, the delivery or unloading .conveyor and the cross-conveyor, will be in position to be operated at proper times. When the circuit of which the switch C* forms a part is closed, the main conveyor, the unloading conveyor and the storage carrier may be operated at the times desired. When) the circuit of which the lever D* forms a part is closed, the cross conveyor and the storage carrier may be operated, the operation of the storage carrier in this combination being reversed, so that the plates which have acconveyor, by means of which they will be carried into the assemblage of machines which perform .the manufacturing operations. lt' will. be understood that the switches AX, B", Cx'and' DX, will be mpved so that but a single one of the main control circuits is closed at one time, the particular circuit which is to be closed being determined by the `conditions which call for 4the operation off all of the principal mechanisms .or of any group or combination of such mechanisms at the time. i

For instance, if the apparatus be in operation with all of the five principal mechanisms in position for action, and it is not desired at'the time to feed a further supply of plates into the apparatus, switch A* will be thrown out so as to discontinue the movement of the feeding conveyor, and switch Bx. will be thrown in so 'that the main conveyor,

and the unloading or delivering conveyor and the cross conveyor will operate until all of the plates in transit'through the baths will have been fed to the assemblage of machine, in the manner before indicated. Other selective combinations of loperative mechanisms may be produced by manipulatin the switches in the desired order.

he switches just referred to serve merely' to establish circuits' which 'will be traversed by-the electric current, So-that the 'articular mechanisms included inthe sai circuits may beY in position to be operated at the proper times. But all of such circuits are mechanisms controlled thereby, will be de pendent upon the articular circumstances or conditions* attending' theV operation of the pickling machine, 'and the means whereb this is brought about willnow be describe We willpassum'e that a vvstack 4ofl'platesiP has been vpresented bythe feeding or loading mechanism G, lto' the action of the electro-lA magnetic transferring'devices I, which latter are to be actuatedto transfer theplates to `the hooks of the main conveyor, inthe manner'. hereinbefore described. Y Upon throwing. the 'switch AX, thevmain circuit tothe generatc'nrlCrm completed, the solenbids l VAl', etc.",' in the said clrcuit, are ener ized, andthe switches of vcertaln of the auxlliary circuits controlled bythe action ofthe soles` noids are closed. AThe magnets I of the elec tromagnetictransferring devices I, are in` cluded in auxiliary circuit am which is open at three'places, and bridged by three switches indicated 20, 21 and 22, When'the latter'are closed at thesame time. lSolenoid 1 maintains contact at switch 20 .for the whole of the time that the main circuit is closed'by vthe switch A". Switches 214 and `22 arethreefway switches of well known type, andare thrown alternately by the oscillation of the levers i1 which carry the electro-magnets I2. These'switches 21 and 22 energize and deenergize the said electromagnets. As the oscillating arms carrying the eiectro-magnetsbringthe latter.'V into contact with .the uppermost plate in the stack P, an ad'ustable stop 12 on the arm l contactswith-'the push pin of the switch 21 and closes the circuit to energize the magnets, the connected branch of the circuit vhaving previously been closed by the switch 22. The magnets are A:now moved through their arcuate path to deposit-the plate taken from the stack P, upon the-'hooks d" of the main conveyor. `As the end of this movement is reached, anl adjustable sftop 1.3 Ion the opposite side. of the arm il 'contacts'with the push pin of the switch 22 andbreaks the circuit, thus deenerg'izing the magnets andI releasing the plate to permit 1t to lle 1n p07 sition ,upon the hooks of the mam conveyor.

' 4The vmagnets then returnto take another platev from the stackP and in so doing, the switch 21 is operated in the manner described to close the circuit and energize the electro-magnets which are now in contact 'with the clrcuit closers are employed to complete-the G scribed. i A

Standards 'sw1tch'26 to close the the generator Glo to the motor M2, wherebyA plate to be transferred. This operatlon is repeated .until all of the plates' in the stack P have been deliveredto the mam conveyo o When the last'plate ofthe stack has been removed, the" feeding or loading conveyor 1s operated to present another stack of plates in position to be transferred, as before. Auxiliary circuit bw controls the movement of the feeding conveyor G.' The solenoid 1s has already closed the switch 23 in this auxiliary circuit, asgpreviousl despring pressed pivoted eeler finger g2, Fig. 11,.is raised by an expansion spring g21 -into the space previously 1 occupied by the stack of plates. Thls 'movement of the feeler linger g2 acts to throw the switch 25 forming a part ofbranch circuit baul, Aoff which 1 circuit ythesolenoid 6s forms a part. A cam i on the shaft I14 throws the switch 24 in' branch circuitv baz,

llieir movement to transfer the last plate om plate to a point where it will bev clear of the after fthe electro-magnets have startedv on i thestack, and have raised the said g3, g* of the loading conveyor G,

in the 'movement of the carrier to position another stack of plates. The current now iiows .torthe'solenoid which throws the the latter is operated to move'the feeding carrier the required distance to position another'stack of platesP for'actionlby the electro-magnetic transferring devicel I. Upon the movement of the new stack of plates into position the spring pressed feeler finger g2` 1s depressed, without disturbing circuit leading from 9 the electrical contact of switch 25. At the time that the stack of plates has been brought into position by the carrier, a tiin. ing switch cam g25 throws the switch 27 and breaks the circuit through branch bwl and makes a contact through branch circuit bwa. y

ThesolenoidE is deenergized, and the motor M2 ceases to operate. The timing cam 925 is shown as a two point cam, andv is intended to make ,one-half revolution during the time that the plates of a stack are being y'trans-A ferrech, but it is obvious thatsuch timing cam may have a larger or smaller number 'of operating points, and be given a speed'of rotation to correspond to the number ofsuch points.A Cam i on the shaft of'the electromagnetic transferring device I, will be pro'-- vided -with a concentric s'ulicient length to maintain a simple contact at switch 24 from the timethe last plate has cleared the standards g3 and g?, untll the plate has been deposited upon the hooks of the main conveyor, and the timing cam g, has completed its move1nent of rotation or I acting surface of Y partial rotation, as the case may be.

When the last plate has been removed from the second stack, the spring pressed lever 02 will act to throw the switch 25 into4 the branch circuit bwa, and when such last in a mannerthe same as that described with reference to the feeding transfer devices I.

Solenoid 3.s has closed the switch 28 of the lauxiliary' circuit am, which circuit embraces two alternately acting threegway switches 29 and 30, whlch latter are operated by the voscillating arms which carry the electro- Y with reference to the electro-ma' v`upon the storage conveyor.

4magnets L2. The auxiliary circuit can, and

the said oscillating. arms, being the same in all particulars as the previously described auxiliary circuit am, with the. several switches operating in the same manner, do not need to be further described with reference to their construction.

-The electro-magnetic transferring devices 0, which are employed to transfer the plates deposited upon the cross-conveyor N, to the storage carrier Q,Vis constructed soas to have capability of operation in both directions, one of such operations being for the purpose of storing the plates transferred from the pickling machine,- at such times yas it is inexpedient t'o permit the cross-conveyor to t convey the plates to the machine assemblage. The circumstances under which this contingency. may' arise havel been hereinbefore pointed out: The other movement of the electro-magnetic transferring devices ofthe storage carrier is the reverse of .that just described, at which-time the plates stacked upon the storage carrier will be unloaded from such carrier and deposited singly upon the cross-conveyor, to be fed into'thel machine assemblage. l

Under such contingencies, solenoids, 2S, 4s and 5S will be energized by throwing the proper switch lever, of the A"-Dx series. Solenoids 2s and 4s Vwill close the switches 31 and 32, respectively, to establish the auX- iliary circuit dm, in whichcircuit the electromagnets O2 of the transferring 'devices 0f, are included. The arms which carry the electro-magnets, 02` operate three-way switches 33 and34 in the manner previously described ets 12, to energize the/electro-magnets O2 t rough the switch 33, and carry the plates from the cross-conveyor andv deposit them in stacks are 'deenergized at the'end of by the switch 34, as before.

the `movenent When plates to the required nuinber have been placed in a lstack upon the storage. car.-

The magnets rier, a pivoted4 feeler device g2", will throw the three-way switch 35 and establish a current through branch circuit del, to energize the solenoid 75,'to throw switch 36, to operate the motor M3 of the storage pile conveyor, to carry the completed stack to the rear, in the direction indicated b the arrow, and provide spacev on the carrier for the formation of another stack of plates. A timing cam g, similar in construction and operation to the previously described timing cam g25, operates athree-way switch 37 in the branch circuit da, to break the circuit 4when the storage carrier has completed its move-l ment in the outward direction.

When the plates stored in stacks upon the storage carrier are to be returned to the crossconveyorN, for-feeding into the machine assemblage, blenoids 4s and 'will remain ener `zed`,':` `iigt the solenoid 2S will be deenergizetgll, andthe switch 31 will be cperated by the spring-actuated core of thesolenoid 2S, to make contact with the lower branch dez lof the circuit da'. The electromagnets 02- will then be .energized by the switch 34, to seize a plate upon the stack to l be returned to the .cross-conveyor, and be deenergized by the switch 33. A spring actuated pivoted feeler finger g22, snnilar in lconstruction and operation to the previously described feeler device g2", will throw the three-way switch 38 in the branch circuit dm3, leading to the solenoidSs, which operates the switch 39 to impart a reverse rotation to the motor M3, which actuates the storage carrier. YThe break in branch circuit dat is closed at switch 40, by the solenoid 5B.

Switch 41 in the said circuit, is closed by thev concentric cam l Aon the shaft which carries the .arms of the electro-magnetic devices 02. The cam Z15 is patterned after the cam 14, previously described, and is designed to operate the switch 41 after the plate lifted by the electro-magnets has cleared the standards of the storage'carrier, and to maintain the contact during the time that the motor M3 is operating to move another stack of plates into position to be transferred. At the vtermination of this movement, the timing cam g27 will act to throw the switch 42 and break the circuit leading to the solenoid 8S, whereupon the latter will be deenergized and the motor Ma will cease its rotation. i Switches-43 and 44 are operated by solenoids y3S and 4H, respectively, so `as to complete the branch circuit dm* which controls the forward movement' of the motor M3.

, When the -solenoids 3B and 4s are deenergized the switches will change and vsend the current through the branch circuit dw, toen- 'ergize the solenoid 7 s, which controls the restruction for conveying the plates through the pickling apparatus. oAt the inside the hook is provided with a projection d, avainst which the plate will rest, the bottom of the lplate being supported in the neck. of the hook? The inside ofthe point of the hook is also provided with an opposing projection ds. From this construction, 1t will be-seen that the plate, when supported by the conveyor, contacts with the hooks only at minute points, seas to leave the surfaces of the plate free for action thereon by the chemicals and liquids of the several baths.

Modifications in the form in Which the invention is shown Vas embodied, and. obvlous uses otherrthan herein stated, may be made -without departing from the' spirit thereof.

Having thus described our invention, what We claimv and desire to secure by Letters Patent ofthe United States, is:

1. In an apparatus for pickling metal .plates orblanks, a line of vats, in combinaporting the `conveyorfin a line of travel above the'-vats, means to feed the plates or blanks to the conveyor at one end of the line of vats, and means to deliver them from the conveyor at the other.

3. In an apparatus for picklingmetal plates or blanks, a line of vats, in combina.

tion with a conveyor supported for travel in a'. plane above the vats to pass the plates or blanks through the vats, a transferring device to feed the plates to the conveyor at one veyor at the other e'nd.

I a mainconveyor for supporting metal plates end of the lineI of vats, and a transferring device to deliverthe plates from the con- 4.'. In a pickling. apparatus, a'linehof vats,

or blanks in their passage through the vats,

.devices for feeding lthe plates or blanks to the main conveyor, a croa lconveyor and de- .vices adaptedto move varyin dlstances for delivering the plates or blanks from the main conveyor to the cross conveyor.

' 5,. In aLpickling apparatus, a line of vats,

."a conveyor .provided'with depending hang- .A ers for supporting metal plates or blanks in their passage through the vats, and deers for supporting metal plates or vices for feeding the plates or blanks to the conve or. l Y 6. na pickling apparatus, aline of vats, a conveyorprovided with `depending hangb anks 1n their passage throu h the vvats, and devices for delivering the p ates or blanks from the conveyor at the end of their travel through the vats.

7. In a pickling apparatus, a line of vats, a conveyor for supporting metal plates or blanks in their passage through the vats, and an electro-magnet device for delivering the platesor blanks from the conveyor 'atthe end of their travel throughthe vats.

8. In a pickling apparatus, a line-of vats, a main conveyorl for supporting metal plates or blanks in their passage through the vats, a cross-conveyor 'for receiving the plates or blanks from the main conveyor, and an electro-magnetic device for transferring the-lplates or blanks from the main conveyor to t ecross-conveyor.I

9. In a pickling apparatus, a succession of vats to contain the solutions employed in pickling metal plates or blanks, a main conveyor to lsupport theplates vor blanks in their movement through the vats, a cstorage conveyor to hold the accumulation. of plates cdischarged from4 the main conveyor, and

means fortransferring the plates or blanks to the storage ponveyor.

10 In .a pickling apparatus, a seriesof vats to contain the solutionscmployed in pickling metal plates or blanks, a conveyor to carry' the plates or blanks throughthe Vvats, devices to feed the conveyor, devices to deliver the plates or blanks from the con.

veyor, vdevices to remove from the apparatus the plates or blanks so delivered, and means under selective control to operate Asaid conveyor and devices.

111. In a pickling machine having suitable baths, a support for a. stack of metal plates,

'a conveyor for immersing the plates in the Y baths, and a reciprocating device adapted to move varying distances as the height of the stack decreases for transferring' the plates from the stack to the conveyor..

12. In a pickling machine. -havi suitable baths, a support for. .astack o metal plates, a conveyor for immersing the plates in the baths, a device for transferring the plates singlyv from the stack to the conveyor,

and means rendered -operative bythe transfer of the last plate of the stack to bring.

another stack into transfer position.

13. In a pickling machine provided with devices `for-immei-sing metal plates, a support for a plural number of stacks of plates, means fOr-transferring the plates "of the leading stack to the pickling-devices, devices controlled b fthe transfer of the last plate of such lea ing stack to effect the, movement of the next stack intov leading position for the transfer of the plates thereof.` l

14. Ina pickling machine, a pickling conveyor, `a feeding conveyor for supportmg a Elurality of stacks of metal plates, in c0111-A ination with means for transferringA the' vplates singly from the leading pickling conveyor, and devices rendered stack to the.

of the stacks to'actuate the feeding con-- veyor to position another stack of plates for g the action of the transferring devices.

16. In a pickling machine, pickling mechanism, a, movable feeding conveyor adapted to support a plurality of stacks of plates, means for transferring the plates singly from the leading stack upon the support to the pickling mechanism, and means to successively move the feeding conveyor to advance 'the several .stacks supported thereon to the leading position.

17.v In a pickling machine, a line of baths, an endless conveyor for supporting metal plates in separated vertical positions While'r immersed in'the baths, in combination with electro-magnetic devices for -supplying the plates singly to the conveyor.

18. In a pickling machine, a line of baths, an endless conveyor provided with depending supports for maintaining a pluralityof plates in separated vertical positions While being pickled, in combination With devices for feeding the plates to the said conveyor.

19. In a ickling machine, a line of baths, and an en less conveyor operating in a plane above the baths and `having a series of depending hangers for supporting metal plates in separated relation While being passed through the baths, in combination with feeding devices adapted to engage the platesV singly With the said hangers.

20. Ina pickling machine, an endless conveyor movable therein for supporting metal plates during the pickling operation, in combinationlvvith a relatively stationary transferring device adapted to move varying distances, and means for actuating the said transferring device to present plates to the said conveyor. l

21.l In a pickling machine, an endless conveyor movable therein? for supporting metal plates in vertical position While being pickled, in combination With a relatively stationary transferring device, and means for actuating the-latter to deliver the plates from the conveyor at the conclusion of the pickling operation. 1

22. In a picklingmachine, a line of baths, an endless conveyor for supporting metal plates in vertical positionjwhile the latter are traversing the baths, in combination with a relatively stationary device at one end of the machine for feeding the plates tothe said conveyor, a relatively stationary t the conc usion of the pickling operation,

and means for actuating the said feeding and delivering devices.V

-23. In a pickling machine, a pickling conveyor provided With devices for supporting a plurality of plates in separated .vertical positions While subjected to the pickling operation, in .combination with co-acting means for supplying the plates singly to the said supporting devices.

24. lIn a pickling machine, an endless conveyor movable in a -plane above the baths, and hangers @depending from the said con' veyor for supporting the plates in separated vertical positions during the pickling operation, the said hangers being provided with points for contacting With opposite sides of the plate, whereby all the areas of the latter are free to the action of the pickling solu' tions. i y

25. In a pickling machine, a line of baths, an endless conveyor operating inc a plane above the baths and provided With devices for supporting a plurality of metal plates in separated vertlcal positions While immersed in the baths, in combination with.l devices to deliver theI plates from the conveyor at the, end of their line of travel through the baths.

26. In a pickling machine, pickling mechanisnr, means for supporting a stack of plates in position for transfer to the pickling mechanism, devices for effecting such transfer, and means for advancing another stack Aof plates into transfer position after transfer of the plates of the first stack has been effected.

27. In a machine for pickling metal pilates, a .traveling conveyor for carrying the plates through the pickling solutions, the said conveyor being provided With depending hangers for supporting the plates, in combination with delivering mechanism to remove the plates from the hangers at the conclusion of the pickling operation.

28. In a machine for pickling metal, plates, a pickling vat, a conveyor travelingf-:in a plane outside of the vat, the said conveyor having depending hangers for supporting the plates during their movement through the vat, in combination with delivery mechanism adapted to remove the plates from the hangers at the conclusion of` the pickli'ngA operation. i n l 29. Ina machine for pickling metal plates, a traveling conveyor provided with depend-l ing hangers qfor supporting the plates during y the picklin operation, inf/combination with feeding devices adapted tonpresent the plates' to the said hangers, and delivery devicesv adapted to removev the plates from the hangers at the conclusion of the pickling operation.

lao.'

2 0 the pickling operation.

. 30. In a machine for pickling metal' plates, a pickling vat, a traveling conveyor moving in a plane outside of the vat, the said conveyoro being provided with depending 5 hangers-for supporting the plates during their immersion in the said vat,l in combination with feeding devices to supply the plates singly to the said hangers, anddelivery devices adapted to remove the plates from the Ahangers at the conclusion of the pickling operation.

31.. In a machine for pickling metal plates, a pickling vat, a traveling conveyor provided with depending hangers for supoporting the plates during their passage through the vat,- in combination with automatic means for `2A5porting -themetallic su stances while the latter are passing. through the solution.

'33. In a machine" for. treat' metallic substances, atank containing a so lution, and an endless conveyor moving ever the tank and provided With'hangers for supporting the metallic substances while the, latterv are being treated, in .combination with means havingl a movement. of rotation toward the conveyor to feed the substances to be treated 3,5, to the conveyor.,

34. In a'machine 'for treating metallic substances, a tank contamlng a solution, an

endless conveyor provided with depending hangers for supporting the metallic sub- 40 stances While theV latter are being treated,

`and means for automatically feeding the metallic substances tothe hangers.

35.- In a.machine for treating metallic4 substances, a tank containin 'a solution, an

endlessconveyor provided Ninth hangers for A solution.

while being treated, means for feeding the metallic substances to the conveyor,'and` means for delivering the same therefrom.

36. In a machine for treating metallic substances, a tank containing a so ution into which the saidv substances are, to be immersed, an endless conveyor provi'ded with hangers for sup orting the said substances While pasing tlirough the solution, and means for automatically unloading such metallic substances from the machine.

37. In an apparatus ortreat a container for solution, an en less con. veyor having a normal plane of movement, means for supplying thev articles tothe conveyor, and means for diverting the conveyor from the normal plane of its movement to immerse the articles in the solution.

38. In an apparatus for treating articles, a container for a solution, and a conveyor operating in a normal plane over thecontainer, in combination with means for diverting the conveyor from its normal plane of movement to immerse the articleos, in the A39. In-an apparatus .for treating articles,

articles,

a container for the solution by means of which the articles 'are treated, a conveyor operating in anormal .plane over the containcr, automatically o erating devices for feeding the articles tot e conveyor prior to treatmentand forr delivery therefrom upon completion of such treatment, in eombma tion with means for diverting the Yarticles from the normal plane of movement of the conveyor for immersion in 'the' solution.

In testimon "whereof, we have signed our names at ilwaukee, this 30th day of January, 1920. ,A .Y

V R.STANLEYSMITH. y E. w.YBURGE-ss. f 'Witnesses:

f W; FlYooLAm), l Timo. O.'-

DlSCl-AlMER.. 1,428,716.-lcuben Stanley Smith and Edward lV.Burgess,Mil\\'itukee,Wis. MA-

- CHINE ron PIGKLING METAL PLATES AND BLANKS. Patent dated September 12,

1922. Disclaimer led Septemberv25, 1922, by the assignee, A. 0. Smith 001- pomtz'on. c YHerebv enters this disclaimer to that .part of the claims in the said specification, which is in the following Words, to Wit-v 24. ln a pickling machine, an endless conveyor movable in a. plane' above the baths, and hangers depending from the said conveyor forsupporting the platesrin4 separated vertical positions `during the pickling operation, the said hangers being provided with points for contacting with opposite sides of the plate, whereby all the areas of the latter are free to the action of the pickling solutions.

32. In a machine for treating metallic substances, a tank containing a solution,

i an .endless conveyor moving over the tank and provided with depending hangers for supporting the metallic substances While the latter are passing through the solution.

38. In an apparatus for treating articles, a container for a solution, and a .conveyor operating in a normal plane over the container, in combination with means 4for diverting the conveyor from its normal plane of movement to limmerse the articles 1n the solutlon,

[amid 0mm October 3, 1922.] 

